Immigration advocates say they’ve been trying to warn congressional Democrats about the potential damage the Laken Riley Act could cause. But after a tough election cycle, they’re not convinced that lawmakers care.
The bill, which passed the House and is moving forward in the Senate, has received the most attention for its mandatory detention of immigrants arrested or charged with certain crimes. Less noticed — and equally concerning, according to lawyers and advocates — are the provisions granting more power to state attorneys general.
Advocates have been calling frequently and trying to explain the broader implications to little avail, one lawyer at an immigration nonprofit said.